Overview
Alcona County is located in Michigan with a population of approximately 10,624. The Alcona County Probate Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Michigan probate is governed by the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC). The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Form PC 559) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Michigan offers simplified procedures for small estates. For decedents dying in 2026, if the estate value is $53,000 or less (adjusted annually for inflation), you may qualify for a Petition and Order for Assignment or Transfer by Affidavit.
Michigan does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be "reasonable" based on services rendered.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Alcona County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Alcona County Probate Court
Probate matters in Alcona County are handled at the Alcona County Building.
Address: 106 5th St., P.O. Box 385, Harrisville, MI 48740
Phone: (989) 724-9490
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch)
The Probate Court is part of the 23rd Circuit Court and is located in the county seat of Harrisville. The Honorable Laura A. Frawley serves as Presiding Judge.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the courthouse. The building is accessible to the public during business hours, with security screening required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Petition (Petition and Order for Assignment): If the estate is valued at $53,000 or less (2026 limit), you may file a simplified petition to assign assets directly to heirs or creditors.
- Transfer by Affidavit: For estates valued at $53,000 or less, a sworn statement can be used to collect assets without court involvement after a 28-day waiting period.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Form PC 559) with the Alcona County Probate Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate (PC 559)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee ($175)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Alcona County (such as the Alcona County Review) if the address of an interested person is unknown or to notify unknown creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters of Authority appointing the Personal Representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish a Notice to Creditors (if not already done) and allow 4 months for claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 91 days of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Notice of Continued Administration if the estate is open longer than a year, or a Sworn Statement to Close Unsupervised Administration when finished.
Local Requirements
Alcona County-Specific Procedures
- Inventory Fee: Michigan courts charge an inventory fee based on the value of the estate. This must be paid before the estate can be closed.
- Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in the Alcona County Review.
- Forms: The court utilizes standard Michigan State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) forms.
Always check with the probate register for any specific local filing requirements or recent changes to court rules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Alcona County)
- Petition for Probate: $175
- Small Estate Petition (Assignment): $25 + Inventory Fee
- Certified copies of Letters: $10 + $1 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Inventory Fee: Varies based on estate value (e.g., ~$188 for a $100k estate)
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit card payments may be available but often incur a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal): 5-7 months
- Average estates: 7-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Creditors have 4 months to file claims after publication, which sets a minimum duration for most formal estates.
Local Resources
Alcona County Court Resources
- Court Website: alconacountymi.com
- Probate Self-Help: Michigan Legal Help
- Michigan Probate Forms: SCAO Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral: lrs.michbar.org
- Legal Services of Northern Michigan: (989) 356-9081 — Provides legal assistance to eligible low-income residents.
Publication
- Alcona County Review: (989) 724-6384 — Newspaper of general circulation for probate notices.